“Oh, and I forgive you.”
Calvin breathes out a laugh. “Thanks.”
Chapter 10
Calvin
Comingtohimhadbeen initially humiliating, but now I feel better than ever that I did. He’s been amazing and accepting. I hadn’t expected that.
Is it weird to eat dinner at Seth’s place with four kids? Yep, but not because of the kids as much as the scene keeps reminding me of what a shittastic neighbor I’ve been. Regardless, he’s been a champ, welcoming me despite it all.
Emily, the little gremlin, is quiet for a change as she shoves her face full of food, and now there’s cheese all over her face. Gross.
After taking a bite of my salad, I glance at Braeden, who’s picking at his food, but at least he’s eating a little. He needs to eat more. He looks too skinny.
“So, Braeden, you’re starting high school this year?” Seth asks.
The boy looks up with wide blue eyes and nods.
“You like music, right?” I speak up, following Seth’s lead.
Braeden nods again.
“I like music!” Seth’s older son says. That’s Harrison, right?
Seth smiles softly in acknowledgement. It lights up his entire face with that stupid little dimple at the corner of his mouth.
I already know what Braeden likes to play, or used to, two years ago, but I ask anyway. “What instrument do you play?”
He glances at me and frowns. God, I hope this kid doesn’t end up hating me. The only thing I know about parenting is how not to be my mother… I hope.
“Uhm, the flute, piano, and guitar.”
Seth’s smile is broad. “Wow, that’s impressive.”
“All I can play is the music on my phone,” I say to lighten the mood more. It makes Seth and Harrison laugh, but it falls flat on everyone else. I’m sure they’re only humoring me.
After dinner, Seth has all the kids clean up their mess at the table while he loads the dishwasher. I help with taking out the garbage to feel useful. I don’t want to be the only schmuck just sitting there.
As he dries his hands, he turns to look at me. “Let me get the kids ready for bed. I have to make sure they’re bathed, and then I need to read to them. You and Braeden can hang out here, then you and I can talk.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Braeden pulls out his phone and earbuds, sits on the floor with his knees drawn up, and scrolls through it, essentially shutting me out.
I’m so out of my element here. Everything is awkward as hell with the shock of being a guardian out of the blue, and hanging out at Seth’s place. With a deep breath and hands shoved into my pockets, I explore his house.
His place is comfortable in a chaotic way. There are toys fucking everywhere. How much shit do kids need? Seth tries to keep up with it, storing most in bins tucked under tables and such.
There are pictures of his kids all over the place; some are current, and most are from when they were a couple of years younger, when Emily was an infant. They all look so happy. How could they not be? They were adopted by a devoted man. I may poke fun at him a lot, but I’m certain he’s a good father. If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t be here right now, seeking help.
An hour later, I’m on the couch, surfing through my phone. Braeden seems content to be watching videos in silence. Not once did he talk to me, ask me a question, or acknowledge my presence. It’s starting to get weird, at least for me.
“Hey,” Seth says, handing me a glass of red wine this time.
“Thanks.”
I pluck the drink from his fingers and take a sip as he sets his glass down, squats in front of Braeden, and points to his ear. When the boy removes one of his earbuds, Seth asks him if he needs anything to eat or drink. Braeden shakes his head and plugs his earbud back into his ear.
